Wednesday, October 05, 2016

Correcting Irregular Menstruation with Herbs

The duration of the
menstrual cycle varies, anything between 21 and 35 days is considered normal.
For some women, the interval between periods may be 15 days or less, and in
others 50 days or more. And although the average cycle is 28 days, only few
women actually have a regular 28 – day cycle.

Irregular periods occur at
unpredictable times and usually involve a combination of short, long and normal
intervals between periods, which may range from 14 days to three months or
more. Irregular periods are most common soon after menstruation starts, and
again in later life as the menopause approaches.

Any cycle that has a long
history of being irregular – over a year and more is very irregular and needs
professional care. The likely conditions are –

Amenorrhea –
no bleeding for months at a time, menstruation being ceased, delayed or obstructed.
Delayed menses has become a chronic problem for most females. One feels some
sort of twinge within the breast and goes through the heaviness in the lower
abdomen due to inconsistent menstruation cycle. They could also really
feel lethargic and suffer with nausea. There are generally various reasons for
the postponed menstruation which may differ from person to person.

Menorrhagia –
period – flow occasionally stronger than normal and may continue over a number
of periods.

Metrorrhagia –
bleeding occurs in the middle of the cycle – or for that matter at any
unexpected time.

Dysmenorrhea
– period accompanied by cramping pains, which can be incapacitating their
intensity.

Premenstrual Syndrome – tension, anxiety, agitation and depression can occasionally
develop in the days leading up to the onset of menstruation, sometimes with the
buildup of water in the body, heightened sensitivity of the breast and a range
of other symptoms.

What goes wrong?

The most common causes are
hormone imbalances, polycystic ovaries, the progesterone contraceptive injection,
infections, lesions [sores], stress and anxiety, emotional tension, being very
underweight, crash dieting or eating disorders and the thyroid conditions.

When to worry?

If you have irregular
periods, there may be an underlying condition that needs treating. This is
especially important if you notice unexpected bleeding [spotting] in between periods or after sex, and if periods
are dark in color, too heavy, with clots or very painful when they occur, and
gone on for a number of cycles.

To ensure a normal and
easy menstrual cycle, nature has provided us with herbs which may be used
regularly or perhaps just for the time leading up to the expected onset of a
period. ‘Normal’ is used here recognizing that normalcy is relative and that
each individual will have her own norm.

List of Natural Herbs that Helps in correcting Irregular Menstruation

Momordica charantia [ Bitter Lemon - ejirin
in Yoruba]

The plant contains
alkaloids with mild antibiotic qualities and anti – inflammatory properties. When
combined with basil and vervain, it may work better to stop pains and assist in
getting regular monthly cycle.

Momordica charantia

Vitexsp [Chastetree - uchakoro in Igbo]

It’s a powerful regulatory
herb that acts on hormonal control centers in the body and regulates ovulation
by interacting with follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormones. Tender leaves
may be pounded, mixed with water and strained. Take one teacup, 3 times daily.

Vitexsp

Unripe Paw Paw

Eating unripe pawpaw can
normalize irregular periods associated with menopause and other types of
irregular periods too. Also a bowl or glass of pawpaw juice every day may be
beneficial. Having raw carrot or carrot juice can also help.

Unripe Paw Paw

Moringa

Moringa has loads of
vitamins to support flow, balance the hormones and also ease pains associated
with irregular menstruation. One tablespoonful of leaf powder is taken with
warm water 2 – 3 times daily.

Moringa

Parsley

It’s another useful herb
in treating menstrual related issues. Parsley juice should be consumed everyday
as a remedy for getting regular intervals.

Parsley

Coconut

Root and husk are ground
and decocted for 45 minutes and taken for withdrawal and painful menstruation.

Coconut

Bitter leaf

Root and leaves are used
to ease pains associated with menopause and delayed menstruation.

Bitter leaf

Mistletoe

Infusion of the leaves
correct hormonal imbalance. Take one teacup first thing in the morning and also
last at night.

Mistletoe

Ginger

Extracts mixed with the
juice of pineapple will ease painful and scanty menstruation.

Ginger

Diodia scandens [ekwueme –
Igbo, Dasa - Yoruba]

Squeeze whole plant and
use during the periods of heavy flow. Take one teacup 3 times or more daily.

Diodia scandens

Hibiscus sabdariffa [Zobo]

The calyx naturally high
in vitamin C is mixed with aromatic herbs to release delayed menstruation.

Hibiscus sabdariffa

Chickweed

Will benefit those with
scanty flow.

Aloe vera pulp or juice
may help in getting frequent menstrual cycles. Chop and soak in warm water and
take all day long for pains and other menstrual disorder.

Chickweed

Lady Mantle

Traditionally used as
womans healing herb and it helps to alleviate menstruation.

Lady Mantle

Vervain

Will help in dysmenorrhea.

Vervain

Lemon grass

With pepper relieves
menstrual troubles and nausea

Lemon grass

Yarrow [itekwonwa – Igbo]

May stimulate menstruation
breaking up stagnation in the reproductive system.

Yarrow

Finally adjust Diet

Reduce sugar, coffee and
alcohol and eat good fats including nuts, seeds, fish and avocado. Try legumes
including lentil and soy; these are high in phytochemicals, which help regulate
hormones.

In addition, take woman’s
focused multivitamin with zinc and B 6 to support hormone production.

To promote a regular
menstrual cycle, give the body a regular menstrual cycle, give the body a
regular routine, regular meal, regular exercise and sufficient sleep. Watch your
system carefully and take prompt action to alleviate any form of discomfort.